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Hans VonkDutch conductor
Date of Birth: 18.06.1942
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Edo de Waart was born into a musical family in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on June 1, 1941. His father was a violinist in the Concertgebouw Orchestra. De Waart studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory while simultaneously pursuing a law degree at the University of Amsterdam. He later studied conducting with Herman Scherchen and Franco Ferrara.
Early Career
De Waart began his conducting career as an assistant conductor with the Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. He held the position of principal conductor of the Hague Residentie Orchestra from 1980 to 1991, and concurrently led the Dresden Staatskapelle from 1985 to 1990.
Major Appointments
In 1990, de Waart was appointed chief conductor of the Cologne Radio Orchestra, a position he held until 1997. He then became music director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1996 to 2002.
Illness and Retirement
In 2002, de Waart was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease. His illness forced him to retire from conducting.
Legacy
Edo de Waart is renowned for his masterful interpretations of the music of Anton Bruckner. He also made notable recordings of Dutch composer Alphons Diepenbrock's works. De Waart is widely regarded as one of the most significant conductors of his generation.
